The New Year "To Be Read Pile"

I took a break from Young Adult Fiction over the holidays to read a stack of books that have been collecting dust on my night stand. Some excellent books that included 1, 000 White Women-The Journal of Mary Dodd by Jim Fergus and Say You're One of Them by Uwen Akpan. Now I'm ready to jump back into my favorite genre. My list of books for the new year year include:

1. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

2. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

3. Children of the Lamp-The Akhenaten Adventure by P.B. Kerr

4. The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler

5. The Alchemyst-The secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel

6. The Seer of Shadows by Avi

7. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

8. Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

9. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!!!

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

Book One

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

By Rick Riordan

2006

12 year old New Yorker Percy Jackson is having a bad day. He was kicked out of boarding school, found out that his best friend is a goat and that his real father is Ruler of the Sea according to Greek mythology.

This fast paced story combines adventure, action and an awesome lesson mythology.

Percy tells the story with humor and awe as he discovers that he is a demigod-half human, half god. There is a modern day feud happening between Poseidon, Hades and Zeus which will lead to war unless Percy who has been accused of stealing Zeus's master lightning bolt can find and return it. He has just ten days before the world is plunged into total chaos.

The twist of mythology being alive and well in a modern world made this book a really fun read. Mount Olympus is located on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building in New York, Hades is in L.A. and Percy has run ins with Medusa and Ares along the way.

Percy is a great kid with a lot of issues. Abandonment, dyslexia, trouble in school and ADHD.

This reluctant hero embarks upon a journey with a seemingly impossible task and along the way discovers friendship, loyalty and the ability to do more then he ever thought possible.

It's a great story with a great character. I look forward to reading more of Percy Jackson's adventures. This is the first book in a series of five. I recommend this book for ages 10 and up.

This book is available for check out at the Salmon Public Library.

WAKE

Wake

By Lisa McMann

2008

Janie has the unfortunate ability to be sucked into other people's dreams. Sounds cool, right?

Not so much when it happens at school or when she's driving a car. Not only is it annoying but it's also a little dangerous. She doesn't want this and she can't control it either.

She especially gets tired of the naked in a room full of people dream or falling to your death dream. She can't tell anyone about her problem for fear of being called a freak or a liar, because who would honestly believe her?

The one night she is sucked into Cabel's dream where it is dark, gruesome and twisted. This nightmare just might be happening in real life and now Janie is a witness.

I recommend this book for readers 15 and up.

This book is available for check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Blue Bloods

I have just finished my third
book for the R.I.P. Challenge!















Blue Bloods
by Melisa De La Cruz
2006
Young Adult-Adult





Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at her prestigious New York City private school. Her class mates dress in only the latest fashions, vacation in the Hamptons, ski in the Alps and go clubbing at the hottest night spots. Schuyler prefers baggy thrift store finds and hanging out with her best friend Ollie playing video games.
That all changes after she turns fifteen. A strange pattern of blood veins appear on her arms, she has vivid memories of a long ago past and she craves raw meat.
Schuyler suddenly discovers that she is part of an ancient secret society of vampires that date back to the Mayflower. Their members are wealthy and powerful and happen to be part of the most elite families in New York City. They are called the Blue Bloods and now Schuyler herself has become one of them.
But in this society there are many secrets, that many members are determined to keep. If Schuyler has any chance of unraveling her complicated past she must find the answers.

This book is the first in a series of the Blue Bloods. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I'm excited to see where she takes them and the changes that will happen as the story progresses. I admit I already bought the second one on amazon yesterday and plan to read it as soon as it gets here. I loved how she combined the history with the now. The old journal pages by Catherine Carver added a spooky element to the story.
I would recommend this book for ages 16 and up for sexual situations and violence.

CATCHING FIRE

Book Number Two for

the R.I.P. Book Challenge

CATCHING FIRE

by Suzanne Collins

2009

Young Adult

Catching Fire is the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The story picks up where the last one left us. After Peeta and Katniss have both been crowned victors they return to District 12 to try to put their lives back together. But Katniss quickly learns that life will never be the same for her or the ones she loves. Her single act of rebellion in the games, which kept her and Peeta alive has sparked a fire in the people. Now President Snow wants revenge and plans to use Peeta and Katniss as pawns during the Hunger Games Victory Tour. But as they travel to the districts that surround the Capitol they begin to understand that the unrest is not just in District 12, the other districts are also showing signs of rebellion and turmoil.

Something big is coming and Katniss know her life will never be the same. Should she take her family and run for safety or should she stay and fight for the only chance of freedom they may ever have?

I admit I was a little worried that the sequel might not live up to The Hunger Games. It happens with movies and albums all the time-the dreaded sophomore slump. Well I'm happy to say, have no fear, no slump here! The action, intensity and emotion kicks off at page one and doesn't let go.

At the end of the book I had two reactions-despair that I'll now have to wait for the third book to find out what happens to the people I have grown to love and hate. The second was to pick up the phone and schedule a massage because the book is that intense. Loved it and I can't wait to go for another ride!!

This book is recommended for readers 14 and up due to to violence.

Salmon Public Library has this book as well as the Hunger Games.

By The Way.....

Kelley Armstrong author of The Summoning and The Awakening has a monthly give away contest on her website- www.kelleyarmstrong.com
You can win a signed copy of one of her novels by entering your name and email.
It doesn't get any easier than that!

The Summoning

My First Book for the R.I.P. Book Challenge

Drum Roll Please........

The Summoning

by Kelley Armstrong

July 2008

Young Adult

Chloe Saunders just had a really bad day. On her way to class she suddenly develops the ability to see and hear dead people. After one ghost chases her through the halls she freaks out. She is sedated, sent to a hospital, and enrolled in a group home for troubled teens.

Soon Chloe realizes that nothing is as it seems at the Lyle House, where the dead continue to try to speak to her and her room mates have special talents of their own.

But as her housemates each reveal the powers they possess(Super strength, spell casting, starting fires and moving things) Chloe must figure out who she can trust and who has an agenda of their own.

This fast paced thriller is filled with horror, suspense, mystery, conspiracy and a little romance.

The paranormal plot kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible and the little twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.

The book leaves the door wide open for the sequel called The Awakening which I will definitely read.

I recommend this book for readers 12 and up. This book is not available at the Salmon Public Library but I would be more than happy to get it for you through an Inter Library Loan.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

Ya! Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

To celebrate I recently participated in a book blogger interview swap.


I met a super fun blogger/writer from Melbourne Australia who introduced me to a whole new YA genre! She has a bit of a fascination with dystopia- which I'll admit I had to break out my trusty Websters to find the definition for. I LOVE her blog which features reviews on Young Adult Books involving Fantasy, Dystopia and Paranormal Stuff. I find her reviews humorous, insightful and full of information. In fact, I added a few of her favorites to my TBR pile. With her vast knowledge of zombies I think she would be a great person to have around if the undead decide to reek havoc on the living.

So with out further ado I would like to introduce my new friend and fellow blogger Rhiannon Hart. Check out her awesome blog at http://www.rhiannon-hart.blogspot.com/

Here are a few questions I was dying(no pun intended) to ask her.

Q:What made you decide to start a book blog? Did you stumble on one and like the idea, introduced by a friend, etc?
A:I started a book blog because I discovered all the fantastic blogs out there and I just had to join in!

Q:What's up with the dystopia facination/obsession?
A:I love these books because they resemble our own world, but things have gone drastically wrong. They have such heroic narratives, too.

Q:Give me the title of one book I have to absolutely read or you will lose sleep tonight.
A:Ah, the pressure! I'd have to say The Hunger Games if you haven't already, because you're a librarian and should give it to the kids.

Q:What genre makes you want to stick a fork in your eye and twist?
A:Actually, jazz music! I know it's a type of music and not a genre of books, but I really can't stand it!

Q:What do you do in real life, besides blog, read and prepare for the end?
A:I write fiction, I work as a book publicist, go dancing and go out for dinners with friends and the boy. I try, unsuccessfully, to keep my apartment clean too, but I miserably fail.

Q:Does your family read your blog?
A:My dad is a follower! I'm not sure if he keeps up though.

Q:Where is your favorite place to read?
A:On the couch in my living room. The light is good and it's comfy. Plus I can talk to my boy as he wanders by to go to the kitchen--I always want to know when someone's eating something!

Q:Nuclear blast! Get to a shelter fast! Which favorite five books are you taking with you?A:PANIC!! Ooh, ooh ---Jane Eyre! Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klaus, the next Patrick Ness, the next Maria V. Snyder and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss cos it looks so damned good.

Q:If you could read yourself into any book, which one would it be?
A:Books are horrible places to be! Bad things keep happening! But I'd love to be Daine in Tamora Pierce's The Immortals quartet.

Q:What is the most unexpected consequence of blogging been?
A:Shirking writing my novel...bad blogger!

Q:Zombies are attacking! What is the worst book you have ever read that you would use to throw or beat them with?
A:Madame Bovary! BORING. A hardback edition, natually, for the best beating.

Q:Which book are you dying(no pun intended) to see made into a movie?
A:I can't wait for World War Z (if the rumours are true, then next year!) and Tomorrow When the War Began, which is also 2010.

Thanks Rhiannon for the opportunity to interview you! Check out my answers to her questions on her blog http://www.rhiannon-hart.blogspot.com/

Ranger's Apprentice- The Ruins of Gorlan

Ranger's Apprentice

Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan

By John Flanagan



Will has been waiting for this day all his life. Choosing Day, when a fifteen year old makes the decision of which vocation he will belong to for the rest of his life. Will is an orphan who decided long ago to become a knight and hero like his father before he died. His hopes and dreams suddenly veer off course when he is chosen to join the mysterious Ranger Corp instead. He reluctantly goes with Halt his new master to learn the ways of a Ranger.
The first part of the story concentrates on the training of Will and his relationship with Halt.
There are also interesting side stories involving the kids Will grew up with in the orphanage that are now trying to learn their own vocations. The author pays special attention to character development in his story, which makes the reader really care about Will and his friends.
The second part of the story picks up speed as the kingdom comes under attack by magic evil forces. It's now up to Will to track and defeat the enemy of the kingdom before a war is started.
A great fantasy story for readers 10 and up. This book is the first in a series of six that revolve around Will and his adventures.
I usually recommend this book to readers who love Lord of the Rings but might be intimidated by the size of the J.R.R. Tolkein books. I have had both boys and girls rave about this series.
This book is available for check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Cirque Du Freak-A Living Nightmare

Cirque Du Freak

A Living Nightmare

By Darren Shan

Darren Shan is just a normal boy living a normal life. He plays soccer, has a great group of friends and gets along with his parents and little sister Annie. All that changes in the blink of an eye when one of his friends steals a flyer from an older brother advertising a freak show. Intrigued by the promises of the bearded lady, the wolf man and a snake boy the boys decide to sneak out and see the show at all costs.

What happens that night at the freak show will change their lives forever.

The story grabs you from the first chapter when the narrator tells you that his name isn't really Darren Shan.

This is a true story. I don't expect you to believe me-I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't lived it-but it is. Everything I describe in this book happened, just as I tell it.

Everything in this book is true, except for names. I've had to change them because...well, by the time you get to the end, you'll understand.

I thought this book was great. It had me from the first chapter and kept me going to the very end. Boys will be delighted by the descriptions of the dark and mysterious freak show. It's a fast paced story that had me turning the pages to find out what happens to Darren next.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series, The Vampire's Assistant which will also be coming to theaters next month. I'm sure there will be special effects galore and Selma Hayek will be playing the bearded lady.

I recommend this book for readers 12 and up. There is a little blood and gore that goes along with any good vampire story. This book is available for check out at the Salmon Public Library.

A Book Challenge!!!!

R.I.P. Challenge IV
Hosting by Stainless Steel Droppings

Books in this challenge have to contain one of the following elements: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Gothic or Horror.
It's a perfect time to revisit the dark side. I have childhood memories of sneaking my mom's paperbacks of forbidden reads-It by Stephen King, Comes the Blind Fury by John Saul and Children in the Attic by V.C. Andrews. Books read under covers with a flashlight.... quiet as a mouse and the thrill of placing the books back undiscovered.
Things a person has to go through for an interesting book!






So I accept the challenge of 4 books by Oct. 31
here are my choices pulled from my TBR pile-
1. The Summoning-Kelley Armstrong
2. The Forest of Teeth and Hands-Carrie Ryan
3. The Vampire's Assistant-Darren Shan
4. Wake-Lisa McMann
5. Catching Fire-Suzanne Collins
6. Blue Bloods-Melissa de la Cruz
I threw a couple extra in there just in case! I do a lot of traveling to watch my son play football and the car is a perfect place to read.
Wish me luck! Of course I plan to review each book I finish, so stay tuned!

Vampire Kisses

Vampire Kisses

By Ellen Schreiber

Young Adult

Raven is a goth girl stuck in Dullsville(Her description of her small town- It's bigger than a small cave, but small enough to feel claustrophobic)She's a self imposed outcast with a huge obsession for vampires and the dark side. She hates her school, her parents and her little brother who she calls nerd boy. She has one friend named Becky, a farm girl who she protects from the bullies at school. Raven longs for something exciting to happen in her small town. But Raven should be careful what she wishes for.

Chapter Four-

The most exciting things to happen in Dullsville in my lifetime in chronological order:

1. The 3:10 train jumped it's tracks, spilling boxes of tootsie rolls, which we devoured.

2. A senior flushed a cherry bomb down the toilet, exploding the sewage line, closing school for a week.

3. On my sixteenth birthday a family rumored to vampires moved into the haunted Mansion on top of Benson Hill.

I would recommend this book for readers 12 and older. This is the first book in a series. It is available for check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Coming soon to a theater near you!

It's always interesting when you see a favorite book on the big screen. Sometimes it turns into a horrible movie(The Cat in the Hat with Jim Carrey was just creepy in my opinion) and other times it feels magical.(Lord of the Rings)

The old classic Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak will hit movie theaters next month on October 16th. It was directed by Spike Jonze and according to rumor the victim of rewrites, reshoots and crying children at early screenings. So we will see.....

Cirque Du Freak-A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan is the first book in a series that was published almost ten years ago. The movie is the title of the second book in the series called The Vampire's Assistant. It will be in theaters on Oct. 23. The preview looked great, very creepy and will no doubt pull many teenage boys into the theater. I'm currently reading

A Living Nightmare which kicks the series off, I'll be reviewing it in a few days.

MIDNIGHTERS

Midnighters

The Secret Hour

By Scott Westerfeld

Young Adult

Jessica is the new kid at school. She has moved from the big city to the small town of Bixby, Oklahoma. But Jessica has no more than unpacked her first box before she notices that things are amiss in Bixby. Strange things happen at midnight.....time freezes.

Nobody or anything moves, except Jessica. She barely has time to explore this strange new world before she is caught up in an age old war with creatures that are the things that nightmares are made of.

For one hour every night Bixby is filled with unspeakable terror. Jessica soon finds out that she shares this horrific new world with four other people, who call themselves midnighters.

Each one has a special power. Rex is a seer with the talent to see the future and read the past. He wants to lead the group of midnighters against the creatures of the night. Jonathan is an acrobat which mean he can fly. He prefers to be seperate from the group for his own reasons. Melissa is a mindcaster with the ability to hear thoughts and taste people's feeling. Dess is a polymath, she develops the weapons they use to fight the monsters.

Although Jessica is clearly a midnighter she seems to have no special talent to help their cause. She is reluctant to join the group yet knows she is in danger on her own. The creatures of the night also sense some hidden power in Jessica and will stop at nothing to stop her before she can discover what it is. Time is running our for Jessica.......

I recommend this book for reader 12 and up. It has the perfect mix of action, mystery and a little romance. This book is the first in a trilogy and all of them are available at the Salmon Public Library.

More Summer Reading Program Books

To prepare for a great summer reading program takes a lot of time and energy. There's crafts to be thought of, games to be played and snacks to be bought. But the perfect read a loud book is a must. It has to have a great story with emotion, eye catching pictures and memorable characters. The great story sets the tone and becomes the ultimate ice breaker. It's a wonderful thing to watch 60 kids be transported by way of imagination and story to another place.

Here are some great books that we found for our Summer Reading Program that were big hits...

All of these books are available for check out at the Salmon Public Library!

Great Books About Music!

Our Summer Reading Program featured some great books about music.

Here are a few great read alouds that we enjoyed.

CREATE IT....... MUSIC!

All of these books are avaliable for check out at the Salmon Public Library!

CREATE IT....ART!

Other books featured at our Summer Reading Program....

Here are some really fun books we

found about ART!

All these books are available to check out at the Salmon Public Library!

Perfect Books For Summer Reading Programs

This year's theme for our Summer Reading Program...... Create It!

Here are a few books that we read about DANCING!

These books are available for check out at the Salmon Public Library!

Final Summary of 48HBC

Friday June 5

9am-11am-read

11am-2pm-break

2:00pm-2:30pm-blogged

2:30pm-5:30pm-read

5:30-9:30-break

9:30-10:00-blogged

10:00pm-12:30am-read

read-7 1/2 hours

blogged- 1 hour

Staurday June 6

7:30am-10:30am- read
10:30am-11:30am-breakfast/shower
11:30am-3:30pm-read
lunch
4:00pm-4:30pm-blogged
4:30pm-7:00pm-read
7:00pm-7:30pm-blogged
7:30pm-8:30pm-dinner/laundry

8:30pm-11:00pm-read

11:00pm-11:30pm-blogged

11:30pm-2:00am-read

2:00am-7:00am-slept

7:00am-9:00am-read

read- 16 1/2 hours

blogged-1 1/2 hours

Total reading- 24 hours

Total Blogging- 2 1/2 hours

Total books read- 6

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Al Capone Does my Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian

A big thank you to MotherReader for organizing this event. It was really fun as well as very challenging. Also a big hug goes to my better half for putting up with take-out for two days and keeping the kids busy while my nose was in a book all weekend!

Coraline

I've been dying to read Coraline by Neil Gaiman since seeing the previews for the movie. Of course I wanted to read the book before watching the movie! So I started this little book last night as part of my book selections for the 48HBC.

It was the perfect little ghost story for the dark and stormy night we were having late last night.

This is the story of Coraline, a little girl who is bored to tears with her house, her parents and her neighbors. One day she finds a door that opens to a brick wall, until she finds a magic key that makes the brick wall disappear. After walking through the door she finds a house identical to her own but everything is now wonderful and magical. New parents that want to give her their undivided attention, yummy food, and toys that want to play. Everything seems perfect...until she looks a little closer. Coraline quickly realizes that nothing is as it seems to be in this new world and her other mother wants her to stay forever and ever.

This book is CREEPY with a capital C! The wonderful descriptions call up vivid pictures for the imagination. As I was reading it last night cuddled deep in a blanket I swear I was seeing shadows in corners.

Neil Gaimen is a master storyteller. I loved his book The Graveyard Book and Coraline lived up to it.

I recommend this book to readers 10 and up. I think it's the perfect ghost story to read aloud with your kids during Halloween.

This book is available at the Salmon Public Library for check out.

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko was published in 2004 and is a Newbery Honor Book. I chose this book for the 48HBC mostly based on title. It just begs to be read.

This is the story about 12 year old Moose Flanagan set in 1935. Moose's family has just moved from Santa Monica to Alcatraz Island where his dad has gotten a job as a prison guard at the famed prison.

This is how Moose describes his feelings on the relocation of his family "I want to be on Alcatraz like I want poison oak on my private parts"

We learn that the actual reason for the move is for his sister Natalie who is to go to the Ester P. Marinoff School for kids with special needs.

Moose struggles with the change of schools and making new friends as well as the frustration of trying to help his parents deal with his sister's undiagnosed condition(which we, the reader immediately recognize as autism). His feelings and emotions are honest and raw. I

I really liked this story. I would recommend it to readers 12 and up.

This book is available to check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Number 6

Starting book number 6-The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian
Losing steam......

Blurry Words and Blending Books

It's 11pm and I'm still buzzing from the 3 glasses of ice tea I had earlier. I'm not a night owl so this part of the 48HBC is hard for me. This evening I finished Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko and started on Coraline by Neil Gaiman. I think I'll write reviews in the morning-they will probably make more sense then.
So far I have accomplished 16 1/2 hours of reading for the 48HBC which doesn't seem like a lot in the big picture does it?
I have read 5 books that have been on my book shelf for a few months which makes me feel pretty good.
My plan for tonite is to finish Coraline and start another one before I can't keep my eyes open.
My challenge ends at 9am Sunday morning.
Sally Forth Good People!!!

My Reading Log

Today

read 7:30am-10:30

breakfast/shower

read 11:30-3:30

lunch

blogged 4:00-4:30

read 4:30-7:00

blogged/reviews 7:00-7:30

dinner/laundry

So far have read-9 1/2 hours

Blogged-1 hour

On ward...........

The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry was the third book that I read for MotherReader 48 hour book challenge. This book was recommended to me by a 15 year old boy who promised me it would be worth my time. He was without a doubt right.

This story is set in the future and is about a boy named Jonas. In his world there is no hunger, poverty or conflict. Everyone lives by a set of rules and everyone obeys without question. Every family unit receives a boy and a girl to raise. When children turn 12 years of age they are given a life assignment determined by a committee of people called Elders.

Jonas is assigned a job called the Receiver of Memories. It is explained to him that his job is special and it involves lies and and long buried secrets. His knowledge of things are not allowed to be shared with anyone, even those he loves most.

Jonas has always believed that he lived in a perfect place, but in this story learns that perfection comes at a high price.

This book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen to Jonas.

I recommend this book to readers 12 and up.

This book is available at the Salmon Public Library to check out.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

This is book number 2 that I have read for MotherReader's 48 hour book challenge. A little bit longer than my last book but not by much-230 pages long. It's a quick easy read that I think both girls and boys would enjoy.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by is by Sherman Alexie. It's the story of Junior who is an Indian living on a Spokane, Washington Indian reservation. He was born with a condition called water on the brain. Although he has a variety of medical conditions he is an exceptional artist who loves to draw cartoons. His cartoons help him deal with the many situations he finds himself in. He is a constant target for bullies, the love/hate relationship he has with his best friend Rowdy, and his sad home life. His parents try to provide for him but have major problems of their own. A major one being the fact that his dad is an alcoholic with a gambling problem that tends to disappear for days on end.
Junior is determined to change his future by getting off the rez. His first step in this direction requires him to leave his school and best friend and attend an all white school 22 miles away.
This decision has major consequences for Junior, his family and his best friend.
The best thing about this book is it's ability to make you fill like your riding an emotional roller coaster. From one page to the next I wasn't sure if I would be laughing or crying.
One minute it's humor and wit, the next it's tragic and sad.
This story is filled with heart. I fell in love with Junior.
I would recommend this book for readers 14 and up due to language and sexual situations.
This book is available to check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Another Day-Another Book

Entering the homestretch on The Giver by Lois Lowry with just a few pages left to go. Taking a break to eat some lunch a blog a little. I was checking out a blog by Christina@Flipthepagebookreviews She has a way fun site and I really like the way she reviews books. She is also participating in MotherReaders 48HBC. So I'll finish this book and start on the next.

Still going......

Just finished The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I'll write a review in a few hours. I need to start new book while house is quiet and family is gone. My new book was recommended by a friend of my sons. His exact words were "Dude, you have to read The Giver, it blew my mind!" Well, after that how could I not! So my next book is The Giver by Lois Lowry. Peace out peps!

Feel Like Energizer Bunny...

Okay people I am half way done with The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. I am loving the story, the character and the humor. Really needed a pick me up after last book. I have much chocolate and coke in system, I'm trying to put in two more hours before I quit. I logged about five hours total reading time today in between house cleaning, taxi driving, play dates, a trip to the chiropractor and laundry.
Happy Reading!

Get Set!

Alrighty! I have one book under my belt and now I'm moving on to the next one. I'm really hoping my next pick will be a little more light hearted cause Wallflower was a downer! Crossing my fingers and choosing The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I talked my husband into grilling burgers and I'm hoping that he can find a good game on ESPN to keep himself occupied. My plan is to lock myself in my room with giant bag of M&Ms and read into the wee hours of the morning. Peace Out!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heavy, moody, sad little book. The story of Charlie is only 213 pages long and is told by way of letters from him to someone he addresses as Dear Friend. It's Charlie's freshman year of high school, he's different, lonely and confused by every day high school happenings. His letters are heartbreaking and honest as he tries his best to navigate life at school and home. We slowly move with Charlie through the school year as he makes a few friends, has his first crush and deals with the death of a loved one. As the story unfolds we learn more of Charlie's history which offers somewhat of an explanation of his thoughts and feelings.

Charlie is a character that will stay with me for a long time.

Although I felt the story leading up to a big ending I wasn't prepared for the crash landing.

I was under the impression that this was a book for young adults and was puzzled as to way our public library had it in the adult section. I now think that it's exactly where it belongs. The subject matter deals with sex, homosexuality, drugs, death and suicide. Very heavy subject matter. I would caution any parent to preview this book before letting your child read it.

I think it's a great book but a reader should be old enough to handle the emotions that come with it.

On your mark........

It's officially started.....the 48 hour book challenge! I have stocked my pantry full of twizzlers, M&Ms, coke and corn chips. I started a book that been on my dresser collecting dust for a few weeks. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. I'll write a review when I'm done. Peace Out!

48 Hour Book Challenge is on!

Here we go! A chance to catch up on the pile of books on my dresser that has been collecting dust as I work on my library's summer reading program. Mother Reader has challenged anyone who would like to participate to read and blog for 48 hours-starting June 5 through June 8th. Super excited to see if I can make a dent in my pile. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to get a cool prize out of the deal too. For more information about the challenge go to her website-motherreader.com
Stay tuned........

Looking for Alaska

Sixteen year old Miles Halter is seeking the "Great Perhaps". He leaves his Florida home to attend boarding school, Culver Creek, in Alabama. While there he meets a group of fellow students he immediately connects with. His room mate Chip (the Colonel) and the beautiful, complicated Alaska. Together they introduce Miles to drinking, smoking and the fine art of creating the perfect prank.

For the first time in his life Miles feels like he belongs, he discovers the meaning of real friendship and loyalty.
The story is told in two parts-before and after the death of one of the characters. The beginning is a little slow but a few chapters in I was completely commited. Because it's impossible not to care about the characters of this story. As the story unfolds we learn that there are many layers to Alaska, Chip and Miles. The story is told with honesty and humor but also deals with grief and loss.

This is the second novel that I've read by John Green. I love the dialogue between characters, especially the boys. It flows and feels real. He doesn't shy away from complicated issues or try to wrap things up in a neat little package.
This is an excellent read for a boy or a girl. I recommend it for ages 15 and up because of language and sexual situations.

This book is available to check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Schooled

Being a fan of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli I thought Schooled by Gordon Korman would be a good read. I was not disappointed.
Capricorn Anderson might as well be from a different planet. He was raised on a hippie commune out in the middle of no where. His grandmother Rain has always taken care of him and his needs. He has never seen television, had friends his age, eaten pizza or talked on a cell phone.
Life is simple until an accident lands his grandmother in the hospital and Cap in a foster home.
Suddenly Cap is forced into the cruel hard world of public school where he instantly becomes an outcast because of his long hair, hemp clothes and lack of social skills.
Cap's reaction to the situation is not what you expect.
The story is told from the view point of several people that come into contact with Cap. The foster mother, the principal, the popular kid and the class nerd.
I found Cap endearing but sometimes a little pathetic. The story very entertaining and really easy to read.
I reccomend this book for readers 12 and up. I think both boys and girls would enjoy it.
Good Read! This book is available at the Salmon Public Library.

Spud

If you are looking for laugh out loud funny this is the book for you. Spud by John van de Ruit is one of the funniest books I have read in a while.
The story comes from John "Spud" Milton who attends an all boys boarding school in South Africa set in 1990. His tale is written by way of journal entries which relate his various adventures, trials and humiliations.
John rooms with a group known at school known as the "Crazy Eight" and they never fail to live up to their name. These 13 year old boys are full of schemes and trouble galore. He deals with feeling home sick, the insecurities of not fitting in and being marked as a lowly freshman. Not only is John dealing with the insanity at school but on his breaks he puts up with his crazy family at home. Which includes his paranoid, bottle loving father, his always on the edge mother and stark raving mad grandmother he calls the wombat.
We follow John through his first year of boarding school where he bonds with his crazy roomies, has his first crush, deals with power hungry upper class men and drunken teachers.
I found this book hilarious, honest and surprisingly tender.
I'm happy to say that this is the first book in a series featuring John "Spud" Milton. I can't wait to catch up with him and the rest of the crazy eight again.
I would reccomend this book for readers 14 and up. It's about thirteen year old boys so know that the topic of sex will be brought up, there is crude humor and some rough language.
Excellent Book! This book is available at the Salmon Public Library.

Shift

"Some friends fade away.....Other's disappear"
That quote appears on the cover and immediately pulled me in. Who doesn't love a good mystery?
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury is a page turner that's hard to put down.
Win and Chris have been best friends since elementary school. As graduation nears they decide to embark on one last great adventure before heading off to seperate colleges. A cross country bike trek from West Virginia to Seattle, Washington.
The story is told from Chris's point of view one month after the bike trip. He is now at college and the FBI is questioning him about the disappearance of Win.
The bike trip is told in flashbacks as Chris trys to figure out what exactly happened to his best friend and their friendship along the way.
I love the way to story unfolded. Chris and Win have a complex relationship. At times I wasn't even sure I would call it an actual friendship. Sometimes your best friends really are your worst enemies.
Great book! I would reccomended it for readers 13 and up.

Our library does not carry this book but I would be happy to get it for you through InterLibrary Loan.

Elsewhere

I just finished Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin last night.
Liz Hall has died and gone to Elsewhere and she's not very happy about it. On her way to the mall to pick out a prom dress she forgets to look both ways before crossing the street and is the victim of a hit and run accident. She wakes to find herself on board a ship headed for a place called Elsewhere where the aging process not only stops, it reverses. This means that Liz will never have the opportunity to turn sixteen, date, get boobs or get her driver's license.
Liz not only has to learn to adjust to her new life in Elsewhere, she has to figure out how to say goodbye to her old one on Earth.
I really liked Gabrielle Zevin's take on Heaven. The whole idea of aging backwards to birth again was a great twist. And I liked that Liz was not always very likeable. It made her grieving real to me. The story might be a little too complex for younger readers so my suggestion is for ages 14 and up.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you put it down.

We do not have this book in our library but I would be happy to get it for you through Interlibrary Loan.

Upcoming Reviews....

Now that Spring break is in full swing I'm hoping to have time to sit at computer and write some reviews for some great books I have read lately. As you can tell I like to mix up new ones with a few old ones. On the list is the following:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Schooled by Gordon Korman
Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewster
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Spud by John van de Ruit
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury

Currently on my bookshelf to read during Spring Break is-
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Paper Towns by John Green
Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Away Laughng On A Fast Camel by Louise Rennison

The reason I'm here.....

I started this blog with two goals in mind. First, is to give the teenagers that come into my library a place to go to get more information about books they are thinking about reading and to talk about books they either love or hate.
When I started working at my library I noticed that with the exception of using the computers the teens in our town do not really use the library. Once I looked at our old out dated books I began to understand why. We have books on the shelf that date back to the 1950s-no joke. So I have begun a quest of sorts....to bring teens back into the library and discover what they would like to read. This is my second goal. I'm exploring different ways to get teens in the door and maybe keep them coming back for more. I would love to have some game nights, pizza and book discussions and anything else that they would like. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Gamer Girl

Just finished Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi. Recommended by a girl that lives for daily doses of Rune Scape. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to get into it because I know practically nothing about online gaming. Turns out I had nothing to stress about because the story was very easy to fall into.
Maddy Starr is forced to leave her exclusive private school and friends when her mother suddenly decides to leave her father and start a new life in a small town outside of Boston. To make matters worse they move in with her crazy grandma. Unfortunately on Maddie's first day at her new school crazy grandma insists on not only picking out her clothes but also taking her to school. Of course her and grandma run into a crowd of popular kids and Maddy is immediately labeled "freak girl".
As Maddy struggles to find new friends and come to gripes with her parents split she becomes involved with a role playing online computer game called Fields of Fantasy. Her game character is her complete opposite, a beautiful, confident, brave elf named Allora. The plot thickens as she meets a mysterious knight -Sir Leo who seems so charming online but keeps pressuring her to meet in person.
Fields of Fastasy becomes Maddy's escape as she deals with the truth behind her parents divorce and the constant hell that her new school has become.
Can Maddy learn to stand up for herself and face her fears? Can she find a way to fit into her new school? Will she decide to meet Sir Leo in person even though she's been warned of the dangers of online predators?
Check out Gamer Girl and find out for yourself.......

I liked this book, it was a little predictable but still a good story with a solid, likeable character. I would recommend Gamer Girl to readers 12 and up.

This book is available at the Salmon Public Library.

The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things

I just finished The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler. It was published in 2003 and won a Printz award.
It came highly recommended from a group of 8th grade girls my son hangs out with.

The main character Virginia Shreves is a plus size high schooler who lives by the "fat girl code of conduct."
She feels out of place in what she calls her picture perfect family. She is unable to communicate with her mother who happens to be a adolescent psychologist, her busy jet setting father who leers at young hot bodies, her popular older brother that her parents worship and a beautiful, skinny sister who has run off to Africa.
Just when things couldn't get worse her very best friend moves across the country to Walla Walla, Washington so her parents can write a book about onions.

One phone call changes everything she thought she knew about her family and her self.
Virginia is a girl that is very easy to relate to if you remember all the ups and downs of high school drama. I loved being dropped in the middle of her complicated life and watching her grow through out the book. She slowly comes into her own as she figures out a way to deal with not only her own issues but her not so perfect family's issues. Her anger and frustrations felt very real and I liked that her transformation doesn't happen over night.
Good book! I would recommend this book for readers 13 and up. There are some sexual situations to be aware of.

This book is available at the Salmon Public Library.